Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your GumsOral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums


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Oral Health: Don't Ignore Your Gums

When you go to your dentist, you are likely concerned about cavities and the stains on your teeth. If you are like me, then you probably never thought much about your gums. Unfortunately, this caused me to form a serious gum recession condition. My dentist said that hard brushing practices, poor flossing techniques, and even the consumption of sugary foods led to the recession. After some deep scaling treatments, I was informed that I needed a gum graft procedure. The gums are extremely important to your health. They provide your teeth with the nutrients they need and they protect the sensitive dental roots. The gums even keep bacteria away from your jaw bone. Don't ignore your gums like I did. Read my blog and learn about proper oral care techniques. Prevention practices can easily save your gums from necessary restoration.

FAQ's About Baby And Young Children Dental Care

When you are preparing for the birth of your child, or you have an infant, you will have some questions about the proper dental care for your little one. This article is full of some of those more common questions that parents tend to have, as well as the answers to them.

What do you clean your infant's teeth with?

As soon as you can see white bumps on their gums, you can start wiping them with a damp, soft washcloth after feedings. Once their teeth break through their gums, then you can switch to a soft bristle infant toothbrush.

When should that first trip to the dentist happen?

Generally, you should make an appointment for your baby to get in to see the dentist when that first tooth is out. However, if you decide to let that time pass, then before their first birthday should be the next goal that you aim for. Along with spotting troubles with your baby's tooth development early on, beginning their visits as young as possible will help them become accustomed to those visits and avoid arguments as they grow.

How do you handle a child's toothache?

If your child comes to you with a toothache, you should have them rinse with warm salt water to help ease the pain and also because it has mild antibiotic properties. An over-the-counter pain reducer or anti-inflammatory medication for children their age and weight will also help them feel comfortable. When the dentist is open, get them in for an exam to see what has caused the toothache. They may have a cavity or another issue that should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

How often do children need to see the dentist?

Generally, a child should go in to see the dentist a couple of times a year. This is a good idea because their teeth will be growing at a rapid rate when they are young, and changes in the way they are developing can happen quickly. These changes should be caught right away so the dentist can discuss treatment options with you. Also, kids tend to get cavities quite easily due to their eating habits and because they are just learning how to brush and may do it incorrectly. Cavities should be filled as soon as they are found to avoid them getting worse and leading to toothaches that your child will have to go through.  

For more information, contact a company like Sun Dental